Manipur Transport Minister Khashim Vashum handed over a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus to Pettigrew college authorities, Ukhrul on Wednesday for transporting students on a daily basis and to ease their burdens in commuting.
Minister Vashum formally handed over the key of the 17-seater force Traveller mini-bus to principal of the college KAS Soreishang, in the presence of MLA Ram Muivah, Manipur Transport director Nivedita Lairenlakpam; joint director of Transport Delina and other officials of the department.
Addressing the faculties and students of the lone government college in Ukhrul district, minister Vashum who also holds the portfolio of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, said that it was the “first time, the state government provided a bus facility free of cost to the college.”
He urged the college administration to utilise it properly and assured his full support for the college. “You are lucky to be the first beneficiary because there has been growing demands for MST buses from several government departments including colleges,” he maintained.
He further assured the students of all possible assistance, and stressed that the state government is working tirelessly to boost the education sector in the state.
He commented specifically on the ongoing academic block of the Pettigrew college, and informed that the construction work is continuing at full swing. “As soon as the infrastructural development work is finished, we will take further steps to upgrade it to the status of a university,” he said and urged all stakeholders concerned to extend their fullest cooperation.
He also handed over a sum of Rs 25,000 in his bid to help them buy fuel and run the bus for the initial days. The programme was attended by college faculties, students and leaders of CSOs Ukhrul.
Transport department director Nivedita Lairenlakpam said that the government will always be there to provide assistance in any possible way to upgrade the Ukhrul district, particularly in the field of education.
She exuded confidence that the number of enrolment in the college will increase and dropout among the students will be decreased.
In his speech, MLA of Ukhrul Kendra Ram Muivah mentioned that Pettigrew college is the second oldest college in the state of Manipur next to DM College.
“The college has produced scores of great personalities including former chief minister Rishang Keishing, Major Bob Khathing, among others.
KAS Soreishang expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister N Biren Singh for fulfilling the assurance he had made to provide an MST bus to the college during his recent visit to the institute.
He also thanked the Transport minister, local MLA and director of transport for fulfilling their wishes.
Moderated by assistant professor, department of History Esther Keishing, the programme started with an invocation prayer by reverend Thanreiso Kasar, pastor, Zingtoze Baptist Church.
